Gifted Application and Identification Process 5th Grade Parent/Guardian Workshop Gifted Programs Department of Teaching and Learning

Session Goals: To understand the process for 5th grade gifted screening, application, and identification for gifted services To understand the value of parental input as it relates to the gifted application and identification processes Gifted Programs 2017-2018 2

Overview of the Processes Screening Application Testing Eligibility Notification and Placement Gifted Programs 2017-2018 3

Step 1: Screening All 5th grade students enrolled in Virginia Beach City Public Schools are screened in September and early October using the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test. Screening is completed by an assessment specialist from the gifted testing office. Screening takes place in the classroom, on site at each elementary school. On October 31st, parents may access their child’s screening score on Parent Portal. http://www.vbschools.com/schoolnet/ Gifted Programs 2017-2018

The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test is described by the publisher as: Brief, culture-fair, nonverbal measure of school ability. Fair across gender, race, and ethnicity. Universal in nature (uses geometric shapes). Gifted Programs 2017-2018

Step 2: Application Students who score at the 90th percentile or above on the screening instrument are referred for consideration by the gifted eligibility committee. To that end, additional information is gathered. Parents, teachers, or others with knowledge of the child’s abilities may refer him/her for additional testing consideration by the eligibility committee even if the student does not score at the 90th percentile on the screening instrument. Parents/guardians complete the online application for students who want to be considered for gifted services. https://giftedapplication.vbcps.com Application video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHMbtG1HR2k&feature=youtu.be A submitted application initiates the next steps in the process. Gifted Programs 2017-2018

Important to Note… Students who are not referred based on screening results may be referred at a later date. Gifted Programs 2017-2018

Gifted Programs 2017-2018

Gifted Programs 2017-2018

Gifted Programs 2017-2018

In what ways does your child demonstrate intense learning? Uses advanced vocabulary. Becomes totally absorbed in projects. Reads at advanced levels. Demonstrates concern for real world issues. Possesses a large amount of factual knowledge. Gifted Programs 2017-2018

In what ways does your child demonstrate analytical thinking? Enjoys problem-solving. Makes connections. Understands complex ideas. Learns new skills quickly. Shares unique perspectives. Gifted Programs 2017-2018

In what ways does your child demonstrate creative and productive thinking? Asks how and why questions. Adapts easily to new situations. Offers unique responses in products or ideas. Sees humor in situations that others may not. Gifted Programs 2017-2018

In what ways does your child demonstrate a high level of motivation? Works well independently. Participates productively in a group or as a team member. Assumes leadership roles. Does more than what is required. Gifted Programs 2017-2018

Question for consideration… To what degree does each area on the application allow the Identification and Placement Committee to “see” the child outside of the school setting? Gifted Programs 2017-2018

Points of Reflection … Will the Gifted Identification and Placement Committee get an accurate picture of your child outside of the school setting based on the information you have provided? Have you provided specific examples? Have you honestly portrayed your child’s strengths and needs? Gifted Programs 2017-2018

Step 3: Testing Parents/guardians are notified of the testing date by the school’s gifted resource teacher. Students are tested at their home school by personnel from the Gifted Testing Office. Information is collected to create a student profile including ability test scores, teacher input, parent input, academic achievement information and work samples. Gifted Programs 2017-2018

The best preparation for testing… Get a good night’s sleep! Eat a nutritious breakfast! Gifted Programs 2017-2018

Step 4: Identification The Gifted Identification and Placement Committee meets to review all information. Virginia Beach City Public Schools uses a profile (multiple criteria approach) for identification. Gifted Programs 2017-2018 19

Federal Definition of Gifted and Talented "The term ‘gifted and talented,” when used with respect to students, children, or youth, means students, children, or youth who give evidence of high achievement capability in such areas as intellectual, creative, artistic, or leadership capacity, or in specific academic fields, and who need services or activities not ordinarily provided by the school in order to fully develop those capabilities." (No Child Left Behind Act, P.L. 107-110 (Title IX, Part A, Definition 22) (2002); 20 USC 7801(22) (2004)) Gifted Programs 2017-2018

Step 5: Notification and Placement Parents/guardians are notified by email of the decision of the Gifted Identification and Placement Committee and they may access their child’s test scores on Parent Portal. Identified students receive gifted services through the resource-cluster model or at Old Donation School. Gifted Programs 2017-2018 21

If you have any questions, please call the Gifted Testing Office at 757-263-6870. Gifted Programs 2017-2018 22

Gifted Referral and Identification Process 5th Grade Parent/Guardian Workshop School: ____________________________________ Date: ___________________ Agree Disagree As a result of this workshop, I have a clearer understanding of the gifted application and identification process. As a result of this workshop, I have a clearer understanding of the type of input I should provide on the online application that will provide valuable information for the eligibility committee about my child outside of the school setting. Comments: Questions: